preserved (to identify cells carrying the LacZ gene)?
Answer 1. Decalcification with EDTA is probably the best method with your LacZ, due to the enzyme staining you are doing. I would be careful to adjust the pH of the EDTA solution to the working pH of enzyme staining in PBS or a TRIS buffer, and rinse carefully in buffers postdecalcification. Formic acid may ruin LacZ enzyme staining results. Gayle Callis (uvsgc[AT]msu.oscs.montana.edu) Answer 2. If the bone is crunchy, you have either not removed all the bone mineral, or you have transferred the bones from EDTA to alcohol and have precipitated EDTates in your tissue.
